Scattering (jjlou7ers 



PS 3539 
.H79 S3 
1919 
Copy 1 



bi3 

Kizzie CThomburq 




Scattering Flowers 



By 

Kizzie Thornbury 




CINCINNATI : 

PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR BY 

THE ABINGDON PRESS 



,.^^ 






Copyright, 1919, 

BY 

KizziE Thornbury 



MO';/ 17 !9I9 

©CI.A535724 



Foreword 

Almost one year ago I was commissioned by the Kentucky 
Conference to serve the Methodist Episcopal folk of Pikeville. 
Soon after arriving I was told of the exceedingly strange 
and sad circumstances of one Sister Kizzie Thornbury. By 
request I was directed to her home, accompanied by Mrs. 
Ashley. We were profoundly impressed with the simplicity 
and nobility of such a character as we found, and left that 
little humble home that afternoon feeling almost as the 
Translator did of Joan of Arc when he said: "Surely the 
contrast between her and her century is the contrast between 
night and day." As a close student of her life for these 
months I found her to be large-natured, genuinely honset, 
out-spoken, generous, tender as charity and without envy. 
She has proven of invaluable aid in fighting every good fight 
in her silent way, in the Community in which she lives, and, 
frankly, I feel that she has nobly earned the right to be heard. 

When paying my second visit in this little home, some 
member of the family read to me a few short selections of 
poetry which had been written by Miss Thornbury. When 
the sister had stopped her reading I said, "Why do you not 
have your work published?" As quick as a flash she said, 
"They are not worth it." After hearing more of them read 
I felt that they were "worth it," and I asked for permission 
to have it done; so, dear reader, without any apology, for 
such would be superfluous, but with genuine pleasure I 
commend to you this little book of poems and testimonies, 
with the hope that you may read it with sincere respect for 
the integritv, ardor, and earnestness of the writers. 

3 



FOREWORD 



Miss Thornbury had an ambition, when but a school girl, 
to write poetry but never succeeded in writing a single line 
until years after being stricken when God permitted her to be 
cast into the prison of utter darkness, like John Bunyan, that 
He might reveal Himself unto her. This He did and line-by- 
line the following poems were given to her and immediately 
she would have a member of the family come into her room 
and write it down for her. So, this collection. She loves her 
Church dearly and has stood by it thru its struggles of the 
past years, and while she has given her tithe and more, yet 
she feels that her offering to her Lord for His work has been 
too small, and now offers all the net proceeds from the sales 
of this little book to Him for His work.— "A Free-Will Offer- 
mg. 

I, therefore, conclude this introduction in full assurance 
that a free discussion of the contents of the book will only 
magnify the truth, and in the cheerful hope that those who 
write and those who read may alike be "Raised in Glory", 
there to ever remain with the Lord. 

Thos. B. Ashley. 



Life Sketch 

Miss Kizzie Thornbury was born on November 19th, 
1865, at Pikeville, Pike County, Kentucky. She was dedi- 
cated to God and given Membership in the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church by her devoted parents, the Rev. and Mrs. 
Jas. M. Thornbury, in infancy. She was converted in the 
year 1885 under the preaching of Brother Geo. Cannon. 
Dr. E. B. Hill was then the Presiding Elder. She was ever 
faithful in her attendance at all the services of her Church, 
although for the last four years of her active life, being 
church organist, was unable because of her failing strength 
to operate but one pedal of the instrument at a time. 
In the year of 1900 Miss Thornbury was rendered a helpless 
invalid and remains so to this very day. She is afflicted with 
an acute nervous trouble, which first affected her spinal 
column, rendering her helpless. However, she found much 
pleasure in reading and conversing with her friends in her 
well-lighted room. Thirteen years ago she awoke one morning 
with a severe pain in her eyes and could not bear the light, and 
since then she has not looked into a single human face. The 
day before this sad event Gov. Beckham was in the city and 
hearing of her illness called to see her, and his was one of the 
last faces into which she ever looked. She probably has not 
lost her power to see but cannot endure the remotest ray of 
light, for, if it happens to fall upon her hands, face, or any 
portion of her body, her nerves being so acute, she cries out 
in great agony — so great is the pain that she is forced to keep 
her eyes tightly bandaged at all times and the room closely 
darkened and still she cannot bear the light which must come 

5 



LIFE SKETCH 



in opening and closing the doors, but has an enclosure made of 
black oil cloth, entirely surrounding her bed and thru which 
a single ray of light cannot pass.* 

After nightfall her room is ventilated by having the 
windows and shades partially raised. Her general health 
is very good. She is cheerful and jolly all the time — however, 
deeply religious. Her greatest means of pastime is composing 
poetry and thinking things thru for the rest of the family, 
as they invariably come to her with their problems. Truly, 
she possesses a disciplined mind and a trained judgment. 
She owns her little home on Second and Division Streets, 
where she lives with her sister, Mrs. Michael. Too much 
could not be said of the faithfulness and loyalty to her Church. 
While suffering the most excruciating pain and continued 
confinement, she bears it all with unexcelled patience. 

T. B. A. 



* . . . . Within the last few years the overhead enclosure has been removed "through 
prayer" and a simple paste-board enclosure about the foot and sides of her Uttle bed is all 
that is required now to shield her body from the direct ray of light. 



Testimonies 

By my special request Mrs. Betty Michael, sister of 
Miss Thornbury, who is practically an invalid but who by the 
faithful help of her daughter, Mary Elizabeth, cares for their 
invalid sister and aunt. Her brothers and sisters visit the 
home daily, and administer to her needs. 

On Thanksgiving Day of 1910, an infant Babe was taken 
out of the home to be with Jesus, the following New Year's 
Day God called her dear Husband home. Debts amounting 
to $70.00 were left to be paid; all of which was paid. Two 
children left to support and educate. Way seemed dark. 
Friends advised her to give the children to relatives. With 
all this upon her, she recalled the instructions of her dear 
Companion, when he saw that he must go, which were: 
"Wife, it pays to live right. Live on your knees and God 

will see you through" "So, these Testimonies." 

T. B. A. 

Testimony for 1911 

For the praise and glory of my heavenly Father I'm 
sending forth this testimony: 

"My heart is dissolved in gratitude and thankfulness to 
Him who has verified His promise to me this year. Scripture 
cannot be broken. Passing thru many temptations at the 
beginning of the year, I prayed much and read God's promises 
over and over. Finally, I said. These promises are for me,' 
and with a faith that takes no denial, I stepped out upon 
them, took a firm hold on God and have never yet let go. 
Glory to His precious name forever and ever! As His bless- 
ings came to me day by day, I wrote them down, giving the 
name of the ones who gave, what it was, and the value; and 
now, at the end of the year, I count them and am surprised. 
What my own folk have given me in money, food, and cloth- 
ing, amounted to $76.51. What others (mostly God's people, 



8 TESTIMONIES 



members of the Church in various parts of the country) have 
given in money, food, and clothing, amounts to $114.67. 
A total of $190.98. All the money that has passed through 
my hands, including what has been given me and what I 
have earned myself, amounts to $220.00, of which $22.00 
was the Lord's and has been given to His Cause. 

Shall I write down the blessings this coming year? If 
God can supply my needs one year, He can another; so, 
here I go by faith in Him who said, 'I'll never leave thee nor 
forsake thee'. 

"In telling of the temporal blessings, I would not forget 
the spiritual. Spiritually, this has been the best year of my 
life. Jesus has been so near. . . . Bless His name. By 
the grace of God I am determined to make Heaven my home, 
where good-byes are never said and parting will be no more. 
Husband and Baby often look this way I am sure, and beckons 
me to come and some sweet day I'm going. Glory to His 
Holy name!" 

Testimony for 1912 

"Two years ago my dear husband took his departure for 
Heaven, leaving me and two little children in the hands of 
our loving heavenly Father. I soon found that he had left 
us in the very best hands possible. Our God is a great God. 
He can work and none can hinder. He is able to do ex- 
ceedingly abundant above that which we can ask or think. 
Bless His holy name! 

"After husband had gone and company had left, Satan 
said to me that I would not be able to keep house very long 
and that I might as well break-up now. He said further that 
people would soon get tired of helping and would neglect me. 
Just then I remembered that my husband advised me before 
going away to live much on my knees, saying that God hears 
and answers prayer. So, I began telling Jesus all about it. 
While thus engaged, I saw a great platform floating in 
the air and held there by the power of the Unseen hand. As 
soon as I saw it, I knew that it represented the promises of 
God, revealed in His Holy Word. As I looked I saw that 
every piece of timber represented some certain promise. 



TESTIMONIES 



I noticed too, that it was roughly made. The corners were 
not rounded off. This, I knew, was the plain unvarnished 
Truth. It came and stopped in front of me and Jesus urged 
me to step out upon it; but for lack of faith I hesitated and 
then it floated off a little way from me (I continued in prayer 
yet I do not remember my words). Time after time this same 
platform came and stopped in front of me as at first; each 
time Jesus pleading with me to trust Him. Finally I took a 
firmer hold upon God and stepped out upon His promises and 
floated away with Jesus. Oh, Glory to His name, the vic- 
tory was won! Dear friends, to this good day, I am still 
floating away in the air on the promises of God. Not a single 
one has broken to let me fall but are just as firm and strong 
as the day I stepped out upon them. . . . Praise the 
Lord! 

"After writing my testimony for 1911, I have been re- 
joicing and praising the dear Lord for supplying our needs 
thru the year. Satan came to me again and said, 'You need 
not write down the blessings this year or keep any account of 
them, for they will not be as much as they were in 1911.' 
I told him that perhaps I would not need as much. But I find 
that he lied to me again, for as you will remember our Lord's 
tenth or tithe for 1911 was $22.00, for 1912 it is $24.80. 
As you see, the Lord not only gave us as much but $20.00 
more. Please note again how the Lord has remembered us. 
$103.05 from our own People and Friends in money, food, and 
clothing. Then I earned for myself $160.40. Making a 
total for 1912 of $263.45. We do not tell any one our needs, 
neither do we ask any one for what they owe us for work ; but 
we just tell Jesus all about it and He has always sent them 
to us. Friends, it is for His praise and glory that I write this 
testimony. 

"Spiritually, I feel that I have climbed at least one round 
higher. I am stronger in the Faith. My health is some 
better, and I am having a good time in the Lord. Our little 
home is one among the humblest, but one of the happiest 
surely, in Pikeville. In fact, I do not believe that there is one 
in all the world that is happier. 

"I have sent word up to Heaven by dear Ones who have 
made the journey thru this year, to father, husband, and our 



10 TESTIMONIES 



darling baby, that I am on the way. I believe they de- 
livered the message as soon as they arrived. 

"Pray for me, friends, that I may climb another round 
higher on the ladder in 1913. 

Testimony for 1913 

"The third year of my widowhood has passed and gone, 
and I come again with my yearly written testimony, with 
which to praise our blessed heavenly Father. 

"This has, indeed, been a busy year for me but neverthe- 
less a very happy one. We have had sickness, sorrow, wounds, 
trials, temptations, and burdens, but God's grace has been 
sufficient and I am to-day on the victory side of life. Glory 
to His precious name! AH of these things have been used as 
stepping stones to a higher and a better life, and I feel that I 
am stronger in the Lord than ever before. The Comforter, 
which I received nearly eight years ago, still abides. Hal- 
lelujah! 

"In my testimony last year I quoted the Scripture that 
'He was able to do exceedingly abundant above that which we 
could ask or think." And that is just what He has done for us 
this year. As the children grow older, our expenses are more. 
And the way the Lord has opened up the way for us is wonder- 
ful. The income from my rent last year was $27.00. But my 
rent now brings me $13.00 per month. My business has so in- 
creased that I cannot possibly do all the work myself and am 
now furnishing work to my niece. Work comes to me from 
Hellier, Jenkins, Prestonsburg, East Point, Paintsville, 
Ashland, Kenova, Williamson, and many different points in 
the country. Dr. Whitehead, Principal of the Pikeville 
Collegiate Institute, has given my little daughter a scholar- 
ship for the remainder of this school year, which means $3.00 
per month to me. Friends and family often help me with 
money, food, and clothing. 

"Oh, it pays to stand upon those thirty- two thousand 
promises contained in the Holy Word of God. I still seem to 
be floating in the air and resting upon them. I am trying 
and trusting them and I know God's promises are true. 
They will never fail me so long as I continue to trust them. 



TESTIMONIES 11 



"As for the two previous years, I kept an account of every 
thing which passed through my hands till two or three months 
ago when my account book got misplaced and which, so far, 
I have not been able to find. But as I now remember, the 
Lord's tenth will be at least $30.00, which has been given to 
the different causes of the Church. Please remember this, that 
the Lord's tithe for 1911 was $22.00, for 1912, $24.00, and for 
this year at least $30.00. Well, Glory! I just feel encouraged 
to go on. 

"During the year we visited friends in West Virginia; 
while there God led me to meet Mrs. H. Prichard. By invita- 
tion, we spent the day in her home. She has been a very dear 
friend to us since that day, and has shown a deep interest in 
our little family. When we left her home she insisted, should 
we need help in any way, that we let her know. However, 
since that very day she has not waited for us to call upon her 
but has written us very often a good encouraging letter, and 
would enclose a $5.00 or $10.00 bill to help us along. I tell 
you this, only to show how God is leading and caring for us. 
As we returned from West Virginia, a Camp Meeting was 
going on at Ashland, Kentucky, and the way opened for us 
to attend for two days. Brother and Sister Iric lifted and 
stirred our souls as they told the old gospel story. Those 
days will never be forgotten. This, with the revival which 
was conducted by Brother Burnside near where we visited 
in West Virginia, and which we had the pleasure of attending, 
made our visit really worth while, besides the very great 
pleasure of visiting in the home of our dear Brother Smith. 

"Christian friends, I am anxiously awaiting and looking 
forward to that great meeting in the air when I shall rise 
to greet my Saviour and from henceforth to be with Him 
and my dear ones in that beautiful City not made with hands, 
eternal, in the heavens. 'Even so, come Lord Jesus. Amen.' 

"Yours in His Blessed Service, 

Mrs. Betty Michael." 



Scattering Flowers 



SCATTERING FLOWERS 15 

WHEN THE BATTLE IS OVER 

(Tune: " Marching Through Georgia") 

We are fighting here below, for victory above, 
Jesus is our Captain, our banner is His love. 
We're not thinking of defeat, we're sure to win the day, 
If we're faithful to Jesus. 

Chorus: 

Glory! Glory! will be on every tongue, 
Glory! Glory! the shouting just begun; 
We will sing His praise thru all eternity, 
When the battle is over. 

Christian soldiers, fight ye on, nor think the battle long, 
When it all is over, we'll sing the victor's song; 
Sing it loud and louder still, tho ages onward roll, 
When the battle is over. 

Chorus. 

When the battle's over, there will be a jubilee. 
When we get to heaven, oh, how happy we will be: 
We'll receive a robe and crown and mansion bright and fair, 
When the battle is over. 

Chorus. 

When we enter heavens gate and stand before the King, 
To receive our just reward for all that we have been: 
We will hear Him say to us, 'Thou tried and faithful one, 
Joys of heaven await thee." 

Chorus. 



16 SCATTERING FLOWERS 



WHEN I SEE JESUS 

(Tune: " No, Never Alone") 

The thread of life is wearing fast, 

My race is almost run ; 
But when I leave this earthly ball 

Real life will be begun. 
I'll bid farewell to sorrow, 

rU bid farewell to pain. 
And when I reach the City, 

With Jesus there I'll reign. 

Chorus : 

ril sing hal-le-lu-jah ! 

When I reach that place. 
I'll sing aloud hal-le-lu-jah! 

When I see Jesus' face. 

Almost the Boatman I can see, 

Start from the other shore; 
Almost the sounding I can hear, 

The dipping of His oar. 
I do not fear the crossing, 

The waves will not o'erflow, 
For Jesus is the captain. 

He'll guide me safely I know. 

Chorus. 

When darkness around me falls. 

Earth's pleasures all seem riv'n, 
Yet sweet assurance I can feel 

That blessings will be giv'n. 
Tho pain may rack this body, 

(It seems to have control) 
Still Jesus whispers softly, 

I will take care of the soul. 

Chorus. 



SCATTERING FLOWERS 17 



The lovely City I can see, 

The place prepared for me. 
I'll walk the golden streets above, 

Beside the crystal sea. 
But Oh, what joy and gladness 

When I shall reach that place, 
There'll be when I meet Jesus, 

And see Him face-to-face! 

Chorus. 



18 SCATTERING FLOWERS 



GOING FOR JESUS 

(Tune: "The Ship that never returned") 

A Christian lad said to his mother, 

"I'll go across the sea, 
For Jesus says, across the waters 

There's work awaiting me." 
The mother said, "my child," so sweetly, 

"If Jesus bids thee go 
To tell the glad news to the heathen. 

He will His grace bestow." 

In crossing o'er the deep blue waters, 

The ship did swiftly glide; 
He had no fear of storm or shipwreck. 

With Jesus by his side. 
At night he said, "I thank Thee, father. 

For calling me to go 
To bear the precious gospel message 

To those who do not know." 

A letter came across the ocean, 

"Dear mother," so it read, 
"I've reached at last my destination, 

For God my steps hath led. 
I was received so kindly, mother. 

They asked, 'Why came so late 
This message from the blessed Saviour, 

Telling of love so great?' 

"I'm sowing seed for Christ my Savior, 

I'm telling of His love, 
And how He died on Calv'ry's mountam 

That we might live above. 
Oh, the peace and the joy of knowing, 

I'll gather grain on high; 
I'll see again these smiling faces, 

For reaping's bye-and-bye!" 



SCATTERING FLOWERS 19 



I'M SO GLAD 

Song 
(Tune: " Hold The Fort") 

I'm so glad I trust the Savior 

He's my all-in-all ; 
When I ask of Him believing, 

He will hear me call. 

Chorus: 

I'm so glad I learned to trust Him, 

He who lives above; 
I'm so glad I can rejoice 

In the Saviour's love. 

When the day is bright with sunshine. 

And the way is clear ; 
I will not forget to praise Him 

For His blessings here. 

Chorus. 

When the way is dark and stormy. 

Then I trust Him most, 
And he sends a ray of sunlight 

From the other coast. 

Chorus. 

Come what may I'll ever trust Him 

Till this life is o'er; ^ 

Then I'll praise Him, gladly praise Him, 

On the other shore. 

Chorus. 



20 SCATTERING FLOWERS 



MY TRUEST FRIEND 

(Tune: " Je9U8, Lover of My Soul") 

Jesus is my truest friend ; 
He'll be true unto the end. 
Other friends do often fail, 
But His love o'er all prevails. 
When the waves are dashing high, 
And destruction seemeth nigh, 
Then by faith I say, "I know 
My true Friend will not let go." 

When in need, to Him I go, 
To the Friend who loves me so. 
Humbly kneel to Him in prayer: 
Often I a blessing share. 
When in trouble, He's my stay, 
He bids sorrow flee away. 
Come what may, Jesus, my Friend, 
Will be true unto the end. 

When I cross the chilly tide. 
And the waves flow high and wide, 
I will trust my Friend to save. 
For His life for me He gave. 
He will guide me safely o'er 
To the bright eternal shore; 
Then with Jesus I will be, 
Happy through eternity. 



SCATTERING FLOWERS 21 



MY LITTLE SISTER AND I 

(Written for Maater James Martin Thornbury in memory of hii littl* lister.) 

Mary Josephine was sweet, 

She was my Httle sister, 
And since she has gone away, 

Often I have missed her. 

Her hands were full of dimples, 
Her eyes were very bright, 

Her cheeks were pink like roses 
That bloomed in morning light. 

I dearly loved my sister, 

She was so very sweet. 
I would kiss her on the hand, 

Then kiss her little feet. 

I'd ride her in my wagon. 

We both were full of glee. 
If she was cross with others, 

She had a smile for me. 

I'd run, and jump, and hollow. 

And lots of things I'd do; 
I thought it was so funny 

To see her do them too. 

We played "peep hide" together. 
It made the dark days bright. 

To entertain and please her, 
Was then my chief delight. 

I would lead her by the hand ; 

She was my little pet. 
Her sweet smile and cheerful voice 

I never can forget. 

She filled the home with sunshine, 

Grew sweeter every day. 
Just nineteen months we kept her, 

And then she flew away. 



22 SCATTERING FLOWERS 

CHRISTIAN, LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE BRIGHTER 

(Tune: " Life is Like a Mountain Railroad") 

Christian, let your light shine brighter. 

Fill your lamp with oil of love. 
Help to light up every nation, 

Tis the message from above. 
Christian, let your light shine brighter, 

Now the fight has just begun; 
Gird the armor, faithful soldier, 

And the victory is won. 

Chorus : 

Christian, let your light shine brighter, 

Let it shine both far and wide; 
Some are straying 'way from Jesus, 

You may lead back to His side. 

If you see a weaker vessel. 

Struggling, sinking, 'neath the waves, 
Row out in the lifeboat. Christian, 

With the message, "Jesus saves". 
Do not scatter thorns but roses 

In the path the weak ones go, 
Lend a loving hand to aid them, 

And your light will brighter grow. 

Chorus. 

Christian, be a glow for Jesus: 

Someone on the mountain cold, 
If your light is shining brighter, 

You may lead back to the fold. 
Roll the blaze up higher. Christian, 

Roll it to the lofty height. 
Send a gleam out in the darkness, 

Someone's waiting there for light. 

Chorus. 



SCATTERING FLOWERS 23 



Live up to the standard, Christian, 

And your light will never fail ; 
You can cross the stormy tempest, 

You can brave life's fiercest gale. 
Then when ends this earthly mission, 

And the armor is laid down. 
You'll exchange it for a white robe. 

And a bright and shining crown. 

Chorus. 



24 SCATTERING FLOWERS 



A SAD MISTAKE 

When by a false impression 
A cruel word was spoken, 

Like a dart it pierced a heart, 
And left it crushed and broken. 

Homeward bound she trod alone 
The way both dark and dreary, 

Looking neither right nor left: 
Her heart was sad and weary. 

No one knew that bitter tears 
Were shed that lonely night; 

But one heard the cruel words, 
"You are wrong and I am right.' 

Why it happened we'll not say, 
But cruel words were spoken, 

Severing each tender tie. 

Each kindly thought and token. 

He who spoke so cruelly 

Spent sleepless hours that night, 
Thinking of his sad mistake: 

He was wrong and she was right. 

Days passed by. They met again, 
Their friendship still was riven. 

"I was wrong," he bravely said, 
"And ask to be forgiven." 

"I forgive thus far," she said, 

Her face was all aflame ; 
"I will speak whene'er we meet. 

But can never be the same." 

He, in a moment's anger. 

Spake words, piercing as a dart. 
She had time for reflection. 

He now has the broken heart. 



SCATTERING FLOWERS 25 



Many words and deeds of love 

He's showering at her feet, 
Oft repeating, "Please forgive, 

Can we not hereafter meet? 

"I acknowledge my mistake. 

And am willing to atone; 
I would call back what I said, 

But it has forever flown." 

*'I acknowledge you've been kind; 

Sweet the morn when first we met. 
While my heart must plead for you, 

Still those words I can't forget." 

"Can't you in some way erase 
From memory the words I rue? 

If you can't, then let us part; 
I've done all that I can do." 

If he made a sad mistake. 

He since has proved a gallant knight; 
If her pardon she withholds. 

Who is wrong and who is right? 



26 SCATTERING FLOWERS 



TEACHING BABY DANNY 

In a home among the hills, 

Lived a happy family; 
Children played around the door, 

The baby one was Danny. 

He filled the home with sunshine, 

Grew brighter every day ; 
Though he was so young and small, 

Everything went Danny's way. 

Mother took him in her arms. 
His cheeks blushing like a rose, 

"How I love my darling babe 
No one but a mother knows." 

Then she'd rock her babe to sleep. 
Press him closer to her breast. 

If she did not speak she thought, 
"Danny's sweeter than the rest." 

Then she'd stroke him on the cheek, 

Kiss the chubby little hands. 
Often she would breath a prayer, 

"May he bow as God commands." 

"I'll teach him to speak God's name 

Just as soon as he can talk; 
I will teach him paths of right. 

Soon as little feet can walk. 

"Danny, say, 'I love Jesus'!" 

"I uv Desus," he would say. 
A quick thought passed through her mind, 

"Next I'll teach my babe to pray." 

"Now I way me down to seep, 

Pay de Ord my soul to teep, 
If me die before me 'ake. 

Pay de Ord my soul to tate." 



SCATTERING FLOWERS 27 



He was kneeling by her chair; 

His soft hand in hers she'd take. 
"Dod, bless Danny, mate him dood, 

Iss me ask for Desus sate." 

"Amen" was said getting up, 

Just as other babies do. 
Looking at his mother, said, 

"I uv Desus and ou too." 

Then she took him in her arms, 

Put him gently in the bed. 
Shaking him till fast asleep, 

Then these words she softly said : 

"Dearest Jesus, bless my child. 
May he be a light for Thee, 

Guide the tender little feet 
O'er life's uneven sea." 

Answered was the mother's prayer 
When she heard her boy tell 

How the Lord had blessed his soul. 
And God's spirit on him fell. 

Mother now has gone to rest. 

But the seed still grows she's sown. 

And when reapers gather sheaves. 
May they meet around God's throne. 



28 SCATTERING FLOWERS 



YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN 

(Dedicated to Miss Mollie Sweet.) 

Thirty-four years old to-day, 

All of them spent in sin; 
It is time to come to Christ, 

And a new life begin. 
Thirty-four years all in sin, 

Spend not another one; 
Christ died on the cross for you. 

He was God's only son. 
Think of many dangers past, 

That God did see you through ; 
Can you treat a friend like this, 

When He's so true to you ? 

This is a bright day for you: 
Thirty-four years on earth; 

But if you will rightly think. 
There is another birth. 

It is being born of God, 
Having the soul set free; 

Washed in the blood of Jesus, 
That flowed on Calvary. 

Now that you are all alone 

Just speak to God, He'll hear; 
Ask for pardon, peace, and grace; 

He is thy friend, don't fear. 
Come with thy heavy burdens, 

Lay them at Jesus' feet; 
He will accept thy off'ring, 

And a new heart create. 
Speak to the Lord, He's waiting, 

The meek and lowly Lamb, 
"Kind Father, I come to Thee, 

Oh, take me as I am!" 
He will forgive you freely. 

Do not in sin remain ; 
For though this your birthday, 

You must be born again. 



SCATTERING FLOWERS 29 



HIS PLACE IS NOW ON HIGH 

(In memory of Ninian Bobier. Written for his mother ) 

Another has gone to rest, 

Again the home is sad, 
But if the veil were lifted. 

Your heart would then be glad. 

Another place is vacant. 

And you will daily see 
The old familiar places, 

Where oft he used to be. 

Although his place is vacant. 

He fills a place on high ; 
God has prepared it for him. 

You'll meet him bye-and-bye. 

This place is in a mansion, 
A house not made with hands. 

Eternal in the heavens, 
And it forever stands. 

Here in this lovely mansion 

Now lit in golden hue, 
God has there other places. 

Has one prepared for you. 

There you'll meet your son again, 
And never from him part; 

You'll never know a sorrow. 
Nor have an aching heart. 

Yet it's hard to part from those 
Now veiled from mortal sight ; 

But sad one, do not murmur. 
The Lord does all things right. 



30 SCATTERING FLOWERS 



THE LOST STONE AND THE NEW CHURCH 

(February 22, 1912) 

It was thirty-four years ago, 

We built the first new church 
In the little town of Pikeville; 

The Scriptures there were searched. 

With loving hands the Stone was laid, 

The hearts within did thrill; 
They put their trust in Jesus Christ, 

And He their souls did fill. 

The people met from time to time, 

To worship God alone; 
And some who did the Word proclaim 

Are now around the throne. 

There have been some hallelujah times 

Within the sacred wall ; 
God's children shouted loudest praise, 

His power there did fall. 

As years passed by the church grew small, 

Delapidated, too, 
We grew tired of repairing it, 

And said, "we'll build anew". 

So purchasing a sacred spot 

Not very far away ; 
There's where we will build the new church, 

We lay the stone to-day. 

Good-bye, Old Church, we love thee still, 

We say in tones so sad ; 
But when we think of blessings there, 

Our hearts are then made glad. 



SCATTERING FLOWERS 31 



We wished to find the Old Church Stone, 

The question then arose, 
"Who now can tell us where it is?" 

The answer: "No one knows." 

Then someone asked the older ones. 
Whose hair was streaked with gray, 

"Can you tell of the corner stone?" 
The answer came back, "Nay". 

Perhaps this stone in after years 

Will too, be rolled away; 
Will anyone be left to tell 

Who laid the stone to-day? 

"Lord give us faith that will not shrink, 

May we new courage take, 
And help us build the new church" 

We ask for Jesus* sake. 



S2 SCATTERING FLOWERS 



WHY I AM BEHIND 

.1-' \-lJ ^^^ ^°™^ money for my Pastor but he had not called to see me for some time, 
this httle poem is written as a simple reminder. Written in the year 1912. 

Brother, I have some money 

For our little Preacher, 
When you see him will you please 

Tell the noble creature. 

Statements say I am behind 

With the amount assessed, 
Really I want to give 

And keep up with the rest. 

But I'm deprived of going 

To church in day or night, 
This is why I am behind 

With such a little mite. 

If you should see our Preacher 

Would you explain it all? 
I've no opportunity 

Unless the pastor calls. 

Unless I give the Stewards 

This I'd rather not do, 
For then I'd miss the sermon 

And conversation, too. 

But if he should fail to come 

For my assessment small. 
I'll keep it for the next one 

This Pastor's left, that's all. 



SCATTERING FLOWERS 33 

RESIGNATION 

(In memory of Mrs. Julia Amick Honaker and dedicated to her daughter, Lavonne.j 

The happy home was just complete, 

The future looking bright; 
But lo, great sorrow entered in, 

And changed the day to night. 

The mother dear was very ill, 

The end was drawing near; 
She knew that soon she'd have to part, 

From all her kind friends here. 

She said, when told she'd have to go, 

"Death hath no sting for me. 
For I'm prepared to live with God 

Thru all Eternity. 

"But of our little girl take care, 

I leave her here with you; 
Look up to God, He'll give you grace, 

Be faithful and be true." 

Her Christian friends all asked of God, 

That He her life would spare. 
But He replied so tenderly, 

"Her work is finished there." 

The one who did adorn that home, 

Will be seen there no more; 
But she is waiting for her friends 

Upon the other shore. 

She was a Christian most sincere, 

A kind and loving wife; 
She was the best of mother's, 

Christ's light shone in her life. 

Look up, sad heart, see God is good. 

The parting won't be long; 
For soon you'll meet this one above, 

And sing the victor's song. 

The church will miss this friend so true, 

She worked with steady will. 
Who'll volunteer to serve the Lord, 

Her place in church to fill. 



34 SCATTERING FLOWERS 



BABY 

Kizzy May is very sweet, 

(She came on Tuesday morn) 

She makes glad the hearts of all, 
And does our home adorn. 

Blue's the color of her eyes, 
We think they will be brown, 

Her cheeks are soft like velvet ; 
She's the sweetest babe around. 

Her mouth, nose, chin are perfect; 

Pink, her fingers and toes. 
She's the prettiest babe in town. 

Most everybody knows. 

Her mamma was disappointed 
When she was not a boy. 

But she loves her just the same. 
She's now her pride and joy. 

She can't do without her now 
For she's so sweet and good. 

Would not swap her for a boy 
Not even, if she could. 

They welcome their friends to come 
And they with her agree; 

She has the prettiest babe. 
That ever they did see. 

Her papa is so well pleased. 

He's happy all the day. 
If you want to see him smile, 

Just speak of Kizzy May. 



SCATTERING FLOWERS 35 



THE FOUNTAIN 

About twenty years after the death of my father, I dreamed that I was in a crowded 
church. Silence continued to reign in this assembly until finally father came forward and 
said, " It's they that are at the fountain who have a subject", I thot he meant "It's they 
that have religion who have something to tell." This dream inspired the writing of this 
poem. 

We often hear some people say, 

'T cannot speak, I cannot pray; 

I'm willing anything to do, 

But please excuse me from these two". 

The fountain now you need, dear one, 
It flows so freely from the throne. 
If your heart is filled from above, 
Then you'll want to tell of God's love. 

Plunge into this fountain to-day. 
Then you can speak, then you can pray. 
The fountain's deep, its never dry; 
God planned it so: we need not die. 

Why stand ye idle, my brother? 
This lukewarm condition won't do. 
Step into the deep this moment, 
And God will give power to you. 

Then you can speak of joy divine, 
Ever ready to fall in line; 
Letting your light shine day by day, 
Willing to speak, willing to pray. 



36 SCATTERING FLOWERS 



KITTIE FLO 

(In memory of little Catherine Florence Hatcher.) 

Kittie Flo was oh, so sweet, 
Her eyes were very bright, 

Her cheeks were pink Hke roses 
That bloom in morning light. 

She filled the home with sunshine, 
Grew sweeter every day ; 

Just eighteen months you kept her, 
And then she flew away. 

You'll miss the little darling; 

Each morning, noon and night 
You'll think of how you did clasp 

Her in your arms so tight. 

The little bed is empty. 

Vacant, the little chair; 
But while you miss your darling 

She's safe in Jesus' care. 

But if you'll look a moment, 
Your fair one you will see, 

Waving her sweet little hand 
And saying, "Come to me." 

The little hand keeps waving, 
A voice so low and sweet 

Says, "Come o'er this way, Daddy, 
And Kitty Flo you'll meet. 

'Tm just across the river, 
My home is bright and fair. 

You'll find me waiting for you. 
On heaven's golden stair." 



SCATTERING FLOWERS 37 



THE BOYS' REBUTTAL 

We've heard the men in our small town 

Say we boys are so bad, 
They say that boys have changed so much, 

Since they were just "a. lad." 
We'd like to tell you a few things, 

That we see some men do, 
And then you'll say we've told the truth, 

When at last we are thru. 

While men are loafing on the street, 

We go to Sabbath school, 
A very few will go to church. 

They break the Golden Rule. 
And then we've heard men on the street 

Take God's dear name in vain; 
And that's how we boys learned to swear, 

And now are we to blame? 
Some men sell whisky on the street, 

The buying's left to you. 
The officers do not object. 

For they will drink it too. 

We boys can scarcely pass a man 

Upon the street to-day, 
But we smell whisky on his breath. 

And he walks just this way. 

Then some men use tobacco and 

They gamble and they fight, 
And if we boys just have a scrap, 

They say "Hain't that a sight!" 

We think the men should be ashamed 

To talk about us so. 
When we just do the things they do; 

They taught us all we know. 

But if the men would make a start, 

And try to do what's right. 
Each little boy would fall in line 

And help with all his might. 



3S SCATTERING FLOWERS 

MAMMA, I'M PEEPING FOR YOU 

(In memory of little Wellman Jay Michael.) 

I'm standing by the window, 
In a home so bright and fair, 

And I am so happy here 
For all its joy I share. 

I'm peeping thru the curtain 

Papa is with me too ; 
We're looking for another 

And mamma, it is you. 

If you could see me peeping 
Thru heaven's curtain bright, 

Your heart would beat with rapture 
To see me robed in white. 

Do you remember, mamma, 
You thot my hand so sweet, 

And often you would kiss them 
Then kiss my little feet. 

My little hands are holding 
The curtain while we peep. 

The little feet are standing 
On heaven's golden street. 

We're peeping, peeping, peeping, 
We're peeping every day; 

And we will keep on peeping 
Until you come this way. 



SCATTERING FLOWERS 39 



THE PASTOR'S BABY 

The Pastor's baby is so sweet, 
He's scarcely one year old^ 

But he can do just heaps of things 
His mother has us told. 

His name is Raymond Francis Felts, 

This little one so sweet. 
He has the softest , rosy cheeks, 

And dimpled hands and feet. 

He has his funny little ways,; 

As other babies do. 
So busy always are his hands ; 

His laughing eyes are blue. 

They keep him now so neat and clean. 
But he'll get in the cinders, 

When crawling he begins to do, 
Unless his mother hinders. 

They could not do without the boy, 

This little bud of love, 
He's such a pretty baby, too. 

And coos just like a dove. 

He has a head for knowledge 

As you can plainly see. 
We hope that when he is a man 

A Bishop he will be. 
Sometim.es they cart him into Church 

When he is fast asleep. 
And then the little ones alike 

All want to take a peep. 
And when he wakes he looks so sweet 

It is not v/orth our while 
To tell you that the older ones 

All soon begin to smile. 

And when he grows to be a man 
(This lovely little creature) 

We hope his Daddy he'll surpass 
When he becomes a preacher. 



40 SCATTERING FLOWERS 



A CHRISTMAS JOY 

On Christmas Eve I did receive 

A basket full of fruit, 
From Brother Neal and Samuel Sadd 

Who knew just what would suit. 

The palate of a shut-in soul, 

One that's of life bereft. 
It was a sweet surprise to me 

One I can't soon forget. 

The grapes were juicy, ripe and sweet;, 

Delicious to the taste; 
I ate them to my heart's content 

And none did go to waste. 

The apples, pears, bananas. 

And oranges were fine; 
It was a good selection, 

The finest in that line. 

Some candies, figs and nuts were sent, 
All made my Christmas bright. 

Some little children, too, did share 
My joys with great delight. 

The donors had expressed a wish 
To know which I liked best. 

To answer this I then did try 
Since 'twas a small request. 

I tasted this and tasted that, 

And gave it all a test. 
But for my life I could not tell 

What kind I liked the best. 

So grateful was I to these friends 
Who'd been so kind and good. 

Sufficient thanks I could not find. 
But then they understood. 



SCATTERING FLOWERS 41 



MY BROTHER 

I have a baby brother, 

My home is now complete. 
He is so very Httle,, 

And he's so very sweet. 

His name is Wilson Eugene, 
For Dad and friend you know. 

He is my first brothey. 

That's why Fm tickled so. 

He is the cutest baby, 

Just sweet as he can be, 
And if you don't believe me. 

Just come around and see. 

He has the blackest little head, 
His cheeks are soft and rosy ; 

When he's sleeping snug and warm. 
He looks so sweet and cosy. 

He has the sweetest little hands, 
Fve kissed them o'er and o'er. 

And every time I kiss them 
I want to kiss them more. 

Fm willing to divide my dolls 

And other little toys. 
But I guess he'll want a hammer. 

Boys like to make a noise. 

There was one thing that troubled me, 
He took my place at night, 

But Daddy got me candy 
And fixed it up alright. 

I would not take the world for hirrt. 

My darling little brother; 
But here's a secret I will tell, 

I do not want another. 



42 SCATTERING FLOWERS 



A FRIEND OF LONG AGO 

Miss Sweet, do you remember 
A friend you once did know, 

Who then did live on Second Street, 
Where you did often go? 

Perhaps you have forgotten, 
Sometimes one will forget ; 

Just thought I would remind you 
That one is living yet. 

When you can spare a moment 
Remember friendship ties 

By going in to see her, 
'Twill be a glad surprise. 

But if you don't want to go. 
Pretend you think her dead, 

And spend all the time you have 
With one called Mr. Red. 



SCATTERING FLOWERS 43 



THE PEARLY GATES 

There is a pearly gateway 

That leadeth up to God, 
And it for many ages 

By Christians has been trod. 

Chorus : 

When the pearly gates unfold, 
When the pearly gates unfold, 

We'll enter the beautiful city. 
When the pearly gates unfold. 

The way was made by Jesus. 

"Walk straight," we have been told, 
And when we reach that city. 

The pearly gates unfold. 

Chorus. 

"The way is straight and narrow. 

Turn not to either side, 
And when you reach the city. 

The gates will open wide." 

Chorus. 

And when our journey's over. 
The gates will then unfold ; 

We'll live in wondrous mansions. 
And walk on streets of gold. 

Chorus. 



44 



SCATTERING FLOWERS 



BABY HOLBROOK 

(In memory of little Lake Erie Holbrook.) 

You were happy in your home 
With your sweet children, three. 

Jesus said, "I will take one. 
And two I'll leave with thee. 

"I'll take little baby Lake, ^^ 
She is so sweet and good." 

Of course you tried to keep her, 
But Jesus knew you would. 

He knew it was hard to part 
With one so fair and sweet, 

But he saw thorns awaiting 
To pierce the little feet. 

He said, "I'll take the baby 
And place her up on high, 

And she will be much sweeter 
Beyond the starry sky. 

She will be watching for you 

In that home so fair; 
Be ready then to meet her 

There'll be no parting there." 



SCATTERING FLOWERS 45 



A GIFT 

Note: The ladies of the M. E. Church, of which Mrs. Retta Tibbs is a member, pre- 
sented her with a copy of the New Testament, following her conversion by the reading of 
this poem. 

Friends present to you a book, 

Think you will like it, too, 
And by this time another year, 

Hope you will read it through. 

It is a precious little book, 

'Tis worth its weight in gold; 
If you will read it carefully, 

God will the truths unfold. 

The favor that we ask of you 

Is, read it every day, 
And after each time reading it, 

Do not forget to pray. 

It teaches the way to Heaven, 

A place so bright and fair; 
And when we reach that home above, 

We hope to meet you there. 



46 SCATTERING FLOWERS 



THY WILL BE DONE 

(In memory of Walden Grizzle) 

There's mourning in the cottage, 

The parsonage on the hill. 
He was our dear Pastor's son, 

But now his voice is still. 

He was the oldest one at home, 
The mother's help and joy; 

Now she will greatly miss him, 
Will miss her darling boy. 

The parents, being Christians, 
Went to their God in prayer. 

They said, "Lord, if 'tis Thy will. 
To us our dear son spare. 

"Into Thy hands, oh, God of love. 
We now commend our son ; 

Not our will, oh, our Father, 
Not ours but thine be done." 

God looked down with loving eyes, 
And said with pitying grace, 

"I have prepared a mansion. 
Your son just fits the place. 

"Five jewels bright I've asked of you, 
For this their mansion fair; 

Them I've taken from your home, 
And placed up here with care. 

"He'll be happy in this home, 
The house not made with hands, 

Eternal in the heavens, 
It shall forever stand. 



SCATTERING FLOWERS 47 



"And in this divine abode, 

Lighted in golden hue, 
There are still other places, 

Which may be filled by you. 

"Here you'll see your boy again, 
And never from him part. 

You'll never know a sorrow, 
Nor have an aching heart." 

When the mother saw God's will, 

It put her to the test; 
She said, "Dear Jesus, take him, 

So he will be at rest." 

"I shall see my boy again. 
Some sweet day bye-and-bye, 

And there will be no parting 
In that bright home on high." 



48 SCATTERING FLOWERS 



WHEN MOTHER COMBED MY HAIR 

When I was a little child, 

Well, just about so high, 
I had a loving mother. 

Who now is in the sky. 

There's one thing I remember, 

I see her smiles so fair; 
Then I hear her kindly say, 

"Come, let me comb your hair." 

She'd comb the tangles gently, 

Till all were out, you see; 
Then part it in the middle 

As straight as it could be. 

She'd catch two curls up this way, 

And tied them with a bow; 
The others hanging down my back, 

Made quite a pretty show. 

Then she'd step aside to see 

If it was tied just right, 
Then come a little nearer 

And pull the bow up tight. 

She would twine my golden curls 
'Round and 'round her finger, 

Then she'd kiss me on the cheek 
As near her I'd linger. 

She'd tell me there of heaven 

W^here all is joy and light. 
Then she'd place my golden curls, 

And pull the bow up tight. 

She told me she was going home 

And leave her little girl. 
I saw a tear come in her eye. 

Then drop upon a curl. 



SCATTERING FLOWERS 49 



She spoke in tones more tender, 
"When I leave my little girl, 

She'll have no one to comb her hair. 
Nor place the golden curl." 

She bent her head down slowly, 
Pressed her cheek against my own, 

And put her arms around me. 
While we were there alone. 

She said, "Dear, be true to God, 
And meet me in that home. 

Where we'll never part again. 
And death will never come." 

I could not see the meaning then 

But I can see to-night; 
Now I've no one to comb my hair. 

Nor pull the bow up tight. 

When I comb my hair myself. 
The bow gets on one side, 

Sometimes it turns wrong side up — 
Sometimes it comes untied. 

Then I just sit down and cry, 

When I see it isn't right, 
And then I wish for mother 

To pull the bow up tight. 

When I reach that home above, 
And meet my mother there, 

I just wonder if she'll say, 

"Come, let me comb your hair." 



50 SCATTERING FLOWERS 



WHEN TO SCATTER FLOWERS 

Don't brighten room or casket 

With roses when Fm gone, 
The time to scatter flowers 

Will be forever flown. 

Life is the time for roses, 

A smile or kindly deed; 
Life is the time for flowers, 

The time to sow the seed. 

Don't wait to speak a loving word 
Beside your dead friend's bier; 

Don't wait, for they who're stilled in death 
Your kind words cannot hear. 

Ah, too often we neglect 

The poor, the sick, the lame. 
Jesus said to visit them. 

Go in His holy name. 

Do you remember, Christian : 

"Imprisoned, sick," said He. 
"As you did not to the least, 

You did not unto Me." 

There's many ways to brighten : 

Perhaps with pen and ink 
You can send a message that 

Will be both food and drink. 

Go speak the w^ords of Jesus, 

Go breathe a word of prayer, 
Go sing and read His praises : 

You will the blessing share. 



SCATTERING FLOWERS 51 



Don't wait until your friends are gone 
To bring your flowers sweet, 

For from their pale and lifeless lips 
No loving smile you'll meet. 

But strive to scatter sunshine 

Among the high and low. 
A cup of water in His name 

Will make the flowers grow. 

Go scatter seeds of kindness 
In sunshine and in show'rs; 

When you do a loving deed, 
Then you scatter flowers. 

Don't wait till all is over. 
Then say, "What can I do?" 

When perhaps that one in life 
Looked for a smile from you. 

O Christian, look around you! 

Is not there someone near 
Who is in need of sunshine? 

Go speak a word of cheer. 

Is not there someone near you. 
Now spending lonely hours? 

Go and speak a loving word. 
Life is the time for flowers. 



52 SCATTERING FLOWERS 



GATHERING FLOWERS 

(In memory of little Kizzie May Thornbury) 

It was a lovely morning, 

One bright, sweet day in May, 

When baby came to see us; 
We thot she came to stay. 

This precious little flower, 
We tended with such care, 

Made bright our home with sunshine, 
And she our joys did share. 

It was another May-time, 

Another lovely day. 
When Jesus gathering flowers. 

Took our babe away. 

We said, "Dear Jesus, leave her, 

If it's Thy will, we pray, 
Oh, let us keep our darling. 

Our little flow'r of May." 

But Jesus sweetly whispered, 
''She has a home on high. 

And she will be much sweeter. 
If blooming in the sky." 

And while He gathered flowers. 
He took our babe that day. 

And now among the sweetest 
Is our little flow'r of May. 



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